As I watched some Catalonians walk by, waiting for La Madeleine to open with a 15 minute delay,  I wondered if this concert was worth the wait.  When we were allowed to enter the hall my eyes were immediately drawn to the two staircases,  one on either side of the stage.  A drink in hand later found me on the upstairs balcony.  This was a perfect venue to have a small concert and make it feel intimate rather than crowded.


Before long we got treated to the sounds of Bark.  Their sound I can only describe as raw,  hard,  harsh and brutal.  Fans of aggressive,  no pauze for breathing, headbanging music, this is definitely a band you should remember and treat yourself to.  Their name leaves no room for doubt as to non-fans it will sound like the barking of a dog.  But don't be deterred by that because they certainly are a credit to the genre. I on the other hand needed beer after that!

Then the room went dark,  a single bass note throbbed and the back lights on stage followed its rhythm, changing colors.  Immediately my interest was piqued,  this was a different class of act.  The guitarist literally skipped onto the stage,  the band ermergerd,  the music started,  Channel Zero stood there and I was sold till the last note. 

Then Franky,  the vocalist, started singing ... WHAT A VOICE!!!  Clear,  masculine and strong.  Not scared of the fans Franky moved about the whole venue (chapeau to the security following).  This band played the crowd and ruled the stage as only few can.  

Channel Zero's music on the Exit Humanity-concert and cd is energetic interspersed with calmer portions which only augments the melodic flow. With a great bassline in each song the bass and drums carry them.  The whole band is attuned to each other and it works.  I got swept away in nostalgia as they reminded me why I started listening to metal to begin with.  The guitar solos:  Mikey,  you deliver!!!  

The lyrics are clearly audible and easy to listen to even though they do touch the core of what most of us regularly deal with this age.  The themes flow into each other from religion to mental to social to personal and ofcourse how it all comes full circle.  The opinions are very clear and bold.  Some might think a few things over afterwards,  but the lyrics just show you what's there without pussyfooting around,   which is refreshing.  

I wasn't looking for a new band to put in my top 4 but it happened and I can only urge you to go see them and/or buy the Exit Humanity-cd or vinyl.  My personal favourite,  which on this note I bid you too,  Wish you well.  


Ishy